Lint roller/brush assembly

ABSTRACT

A lint/pet hair roller assembly includes a body supporting a tubular adhesive lint remover roller and/or a stationary directional lint brush fabric. The assembly includes a handle section and a roller support section. The support section has an outer diameter less than the diameter of the adhesive lint roll or a directional fabric wrapped about the support section. The elongated handle section receives a separate rubber cushion and an optional decorative top including a hanger. Alternately, an arm projects from the body and receives an additional cleaning element. Alternately, a dispenser is carried on the handle for dispensing fluid from a storage chamber carried in the handle. Alternately, a squeegee is alternately carried in the support.

CROSS REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of the priority filing date of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/426,589, filed Nov. 15, 2002, thecontents of which are incorporated herein in its entirety, and is acontinuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/302,038,filed Nov. 22, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/143,396, filed May 10, 2002, the contentsof both of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a lint roller assembly.

There are many previously known lint roller assemblies. These previouslyknown lint roller assemblies typically comprise a handle secured to acylindrical lint roller support. A tubular cylindrical adhesive lintroller is then removably mounted to the support such that the adhesiveroller is rotatively relative to the handle. In use, the adhesive lintroller is rolled along a surface to remove unsightly particles, lint,pet hair, etc.

The previously known lint roller assemblies have used a number ofdifferent options to rotatively secure the lint roller support to thehandle. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,361,923, the lint roller supportand handle are separately constructed and then rotatively securedtogether. One disadvantage of this type of previously known lint rollerassembly, however, is that the rotatively connection between the handleand lint roller support is subject to mechanical failure. Anotherdrawback is that a directional lint fabric cannot be attached to therotatable support section and still be operable. It rotates with thesupport and is not stationary to provide for brushing motion.

Still other types of lint roller assemblies, such as that disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,055,695, the lint roller handle includes a pair ofelongated housing parts, which are substantially identical to eachother. A disadvantage to this type of assembly is that each housing partmust be snapped exactly into the other perfectly registering using pinsand sockets. A further disadvantage is that the handle section beingintegral to the support section is manufactured with rigid plasticmaterial and uncomfortable to grip and does not provide for a customizedplastic decorative top or hanger.

Still other types of previously known lint roller assemblies, such asthat disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,5577,0111, utilize a unitary lintroller handle and lint roller support. These previously known lintroller assemblies, however, require a complex and, therefore, expensivemold design in order to mold the lint roller handle and support.Furthermore, a relatively large frictional engagement between the lintroller and the lint roller support often times interferes with thedesired free rotation of the lint roller about the lint roller support.Further, it does not provide for mounting a directional lint brushfabric under the rotatable tape roll.

SUMMARY

The present invention is a lint roller assembly which overcomes theabovementioned disadvantages of the previously known art.

In brief, the lint roller assembly of the present invention is a unitaryformed lint remover including an adhesive tape roll sleeve engaging ahollow support cylinder having an integral handle support portionextending axially outwardly from one end.

A section of directional lint cloth can optionally be placed within atleast two raised sections of radially running plastic bearing ridges towhich an adhesive tape roll sleeve is provided for selective rotation,thereon upon movable contact across a surface being cleaned. Theadhesive tape roll sleeve can be selectively removed from the supportcylinder to access the lint brush fabric, then replaced for further use.

The hollow support cylinder in spaced apart axially aligned registrywith an annular stop flange so as to selectively retain the adhesivetape roll sleeve assembly there between while permitting rotativemovement thereof in the support cylinder.

The outer surface of the hollow support cylinder is selectively providedwith at least two spaced apart annular bearing ridges which are adaptedto slidingly engage the inner surface of the adhesive tape roll sleeveassembly mounted on the hollow support cylinder so as to facilitaterelative selective rotative movement of the sleeve assembly with respectthereto.

The integral handle support section extending axially outwardly from oneend thereof is connected to a cap, optionally a decorative top, using africtional fit or adhesive. In one aspect of the present invention, thehandle support section has a smaller diameter than the hollowcylindrical base of the cap and fits inside of the hollow base of thecap. Prior to snapping the cap in place in the handle, a rubber inserttube or strips of rubber are placed around the handle section forcushioning the user's hand.

In still another aspect, the directional lint cloth fabric is omittedalong with the spaced apart annular bearing ridges. In order to minimizethe frictional contact between the lint roller support and the adhesivelint roller sleeve, a plurality of circumferentially spaced andlongitudinally extending ribs are formed along the outer periphery ofthe lint roller support. Since only the outer periphery of the ribscontact the inner periphery of the lint roller sleeve, only a minimalfrictional contact between the interior of the lint roller and the outerperiphery of the lint roller support occurs thus facilitating rotationof the lint roller sleeve about the support section.

In still another aspect of the present invention, the hollow supportsection is oval in shape to accept to strips of directional lint brushfabric; one on the front and the other on the backside.

In another aspect of the present invention, the support portion of thebody is in the form of an arm extending from the handle. First andsecond lint roll support members extend from the arm and are adapted forreceiving a lint roll.

In another aspect of the invention which is usable with most previouslydescribed aspects, an arm extends from the body and is spaced from thesupport portion of the body. An additional cleaning element is carriedon the arm for added cleaning functionality of the present apparatus.

In still another aspect which is usable with many of the previouslydescribed aspects of the invention, a liquid storage chamber is formedin the body. A dispenser means is disposed in fluid communication withthe liquid storage chamber for dispensing liquid from the body to assistin cleaning operations.

The apparatus of the present invention provides added functionality inlint and other debris removal operations by providing multiple cleaningsurfaces or elements in a single tool. Each cleaning element is usableseparately so as to enable most types of dirt, lint, debris, etc., to beeffectively removed from various surfaces, fabric, clothes, furniture,animals, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features, advantages and other uses of the present inventionwill become more apparent by referring to the following detaileddescription and drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of one aspect of a lint roller/brushassembly of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded side elevational view of an alternate assemblyaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a partially cross-sectioned, side elevational view of lintroller/brush assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 inFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a lateral cross-sectional view of an alternate tape supportsection;

FIG. 6 is a lateral cross-sectional view of yet another fabric supportsection;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a modified version of the lintroller/brush assembly shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the present lint roller/brush assembly;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the lint roller/brush assemblyshown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a left end view of the lint roller/brush assembly FIGS. 8 and9; shown in

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another aspect of a lint roller/brushassembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the lint roller/brush assemblyshown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the lint roller/brush assembly shown inFIG. 12, but with the cleaning element removed;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a modification to the lint roller/brushassembly shown in FIGS. 11-13;

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of a combination lint roller/brushassembly and spray dispenser apparatus according to one aspect of thepresent invention with the tape roll in place;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 15 withoutthe tape roll and without a pump dispensing sprayer;

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of another aspect of the combinationlint roller/brush assembly and spray dispenser apparatus of the presentinvention with directional lint removal fabric attached to one or moresides;

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 17 with thedirectional lint removal fabric attached 360 degrees around the supportsection;

FIG. 19 is a top view of the apparatus of FIGS. 15-18, but with anoblong handle and oblong support section with directional lint removalfabric attached partially around the support section;

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view showing an alternate aspect of theapparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a front elevational view of yet another aspect of theapparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view showing another aspect of the presentapparatus;

FIG. 24 is an exploded, perspective view of yet another aspect of thepresent apparatus;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of another aspect of the presentapparatus;

FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of another aspect of the presentapparatus; and

FIG. 27 is a front elevational view of the aspect of the presentapparatus shown in FIG. 26.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is depicted a lint roller/brushassembly 10 constructed in accordance with the teachings of one aspectof the present invention.

The assembly 10 includes a unitary, one piece molded plastic body 12which includes a base 14 from which extends a handle support 16 and tapeor fabric support 18. By way of example only, the base 14 is hollow asis the tape support 18. The handle support 16 may be hollow or solid.

The base 14 has a profiled shape, such as one with smoothly tapering orcurved sides 20 for aesthetic purposes as well as to smoothly merge theenlarged end 15 of the base 14 with the generally smaller diameterhandle 22 mounted on the handle support 16.

The tape or fabric support 18 preferably defines a generally cylindricaltubular member which is illustrated as being hollow with a side wall 24,by example only. In FIGS. 3 and 4, plurality of axially extendingfingers 26 are formed in an end of the support 18 opposite from the endwhich merges with the base 14. The ends 28 of the fingers 26 extendradially outward from a longitudinal axis extending through the tapesupport 18. The fingers define a resilient means for capturing a taperoll 30 on the tape support 18.

In use, the tape roll 30, which may be any commercially available taperoll having outwardly facing adhesive sheets or strips, generallyarranged in a plurality of sheets wound in a roll wherein the outermostsheets are peelable from the roll, one at a time, along perforated edgesof each sheet, is forced over the enlarged diameter of the ends 28 ofthe fingers 26 causing the fingers 26 to bend radially inward to allowpassage of the inner surface of the roll 30 or the inner surface of acore in the roll 30, if a core is employed, over the ends 28 of thefingers 26. As shown in FIG. 4, when the roll 30 is completely mountedon the support 18, it may freely rotate under applied force to removelint, pet hair, and other debris from surfaces, such as clothes,furniture, or other fabrics. Easier rotation of the roll 30 maybeachieved by use of longitudinally extending spaced ribs 31 whichminimizes frictional contact with the inner surface of the roll 30.

At the same time, as shown in FIG. 4, the outermost dimension of thediametrically opposed ends 28 of the fingers 26 is greater than theinner diameter of the roll 30 thereby enabling the fingers 26 to retainthe roll 30 on the tape support section 18.

At any time, the roll 30 may be removed by forcing it over the ends 28of the fingers 26 thereby exposing the directional fabric 36 for use.The tape roll 30 may then be reapplied as necessary to the tape support18 as described above.

The handle support section 16 is designed for receiving a suitablyformed handle 22. The support section 16 and the handle 22 may beintegrally formed as a one piece extension with the base 14 and have asmoothly curved, ergonomic shape for easy gripping by a human hand. Inone aspect of the present invention, the handle 22 is formed of one ormore sections of a resilient material, such as a resilient elastomer orrubber, which is frictionally or adhesively fixed to the handle support16. As shown in FIG. 3, in one example, the handle 22 is formed as a onepiece body having a through bore 40 extending from a first end 42 to anopposed second end 44. The bore 40 includes a first smaller diameterbore portion 46 for registry with the exterior surface of the handlesupport 16 and a larger diameter bore portion 48 which extends from oneend of the handle support 16 as shown in FIG. 1. The second bore portion48 opens to the second end 44 of the handle 22. Likewise, the smallerdiameter bore portion 46 opens to the first end 42 of the handle 22.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an end cap denoted byreference number 50 is applied over the second end 44 of the handle 22.Although a decorative end cap 50 is shown in FIGS. 1-3, it will beunderstood that the end cap 50 may take any other shape, including asimple flat or arcuate shape to form an aesthetic shape on the end ofthe handle 22.

In the decorative shape for the end cap 50 shown in FIG. 3, the end cap50 has a hollow shank portion 52 in which a bore 54 extends from a firstend 56. The shank 52 has an outer diameter so as to register with theinner diameter of the bore portion 48 in the handle 22 to enable the endcap 50 to be mounted to the handle 22 by means of a tight friction fitand/or through the use of adhesive. The opposite end 58 of the end cap50 is formed with a decorative shape.

In one aspect of the invention, the end portion 58 of the end cap 50 isformed with a hanger 60 to enable the entire lint roller/brush assembly10 to be hung from a peg or projection in a marketing stand or rack andeven by the end user during periods of non-use. The hanger portion 60may comprise a closed aperture as shown in FIGS. 1-3 as well as an openended aperture.

A first bearing ridge 32 is formed on the tape support 18 closely spacedfrom the fingers 26. The first bearing ridge 32 defines an annularmember having an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the tapesupport 18, but slightly smaller than the outer diameter of twodiametrically opposed ends 28 of the fingers 26. A second bearing ridge34 is formed on one end of the base 14. A tape roll 30 having a core orbeing of the coreless type on the tape support 18, with an inner surfaceof the tape roll 30 rotatably engaging the bearing surfaces 32 and 34,but spaced from an outer surface of the tape support 18. This enables asection of directional cloth or fabric 36 to be fixedly mounted on thesupport 18 for use separately from the tape roll 30 when the tape roll30 is removed from the support 18. The fabric 36 is, by example, adimensional woven nylon pile velvet created by cutting intertwined yardthreads. The pile surface is heat set in a specific direction to providedirectional uniformity. This enables the fabric 36 to be drawn in onedirection across a surface to fabric 36 in an opposite direction acrossanother surface removes any collected lint and debris from the fabric36.

The section of directional fabric may be wound and frictionally oradhesively joined to the tape support 18. Alternately, the directionalfabric 36 may comprise multiple sections each adhesively adhered to theexterior of the tape support 18.

The hollow support section 18 may have an oblate or oval shape as shownin FIG. 6 to accept strips of directional fabric, one on one side andone on an opposed side. Even though the tape support 18 may have anoblate shape, the first and second bearing surfaces 32 and 34 should besubstantially circular to allow easy rotation of a tape roll 30thereover with minimal frictional engagement.

In FIG. 2, the directional fabric 36 may be omitted or used by itself.The first and second bearing surfaces 32 and 34 are eliminated. Theinner surface of the tape roll 30 may then be placed directly over asuitably dimensioned tape support 18 which allows low frictionalrotation of the tape roll 30 about the tape support 18 while the taperoll 30 is longitudinally held in place on the assembly 10 by thefingers 26 and one end 15 of the base 14.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is depicted a modified version of theassembly 10 shown in FIG. 3. In this aspect of the invention, the lintroller/brush assembly 70 also includes a one-piece body 72 which can beformed of a blow molded plastic. The body 72 includes a handle portion74 which may contain resilient inserts 76 as described above.

The handle portion 74 integrally transitions into a tape roll supportsection 78 which has an inner elongated generally cylindrical portion 80for supporting the directional fabric cloth layer 36. Enlarged diameterbearing surfaces 82 and 84 are disposed on opposite ends of the innerportion 80 and have a larger diameter for rotatably supporting the taperoll 30 thereover, with an inner diameter of the tape roll 30 spacedfrom the directional fabric 36. The bearing surface 82 is disposedadjacent to an enlarged shoulder 86 which acts as a stop edge for oneend of projections 90. The fingers 90 are bendable or expand the roll 30upon insertion of a tape roll 30 thereover to enable the tape roll 30 tobe slid over the support section 78 into engagement with the bearingsurfaces 82 and 84. The fingers 90 trap the tape roll 30 on the supportsection 78.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-14, there are depicted two additional aspectsof the present invention which provide an additional cleaning capabilityto the assembly 10 by providing a support for an additional debrisremoval surface or cleaning element, such as a sponge, bristles,directional fabric cloth, etc.

As shown in the aspect depicted in FIGS. 8-10, an assembly 100preferably is formed as an integral, one piece body of blow molded orinjection molded plastic. The body 102 includes a handle portion 104 ofany suitable grippable cross section. The use of resilient elements onthe handle portion 104, such as the resilient elements 76 shown in FIG.7, are not depicted in FIG. 8 for reasons of clarity. It will beunderstood that the handle portion 104 may include such resilientgripping elements 76 as well as the hanger 60 shown in FIG. 3.

A support section 106 extends axially from the handle portion 104 andincludes a central cylindrical portion 108 of a first diameter andspaced end bearing surfaces 110 and 112 of larger diameter. A pluralityof radially extending resilient fingers or projections 114 are formedadjacent the end of the bearing surface 112. The support section 106functions in the same manner as the support section 78 described aboveand shown in FIG. 7 in that a directional fabric cloth or layers may beprovided on the central portion 108 separate from a lint roll 30 mountedon the bearing surfaces 110 and 112.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the handle portion 104 may be radially offsetfrom a longitudinal axis through the support section 106 or disposedcoaxially with the, longitudinal axis of the support section 106. Atransition zone 116 integrally connects the handle portion 104 with thesupport section 106.

According to a unique feature of this aspect of the invention, a supportor arm 120 is integrally connected to the transition section 116, forexample.

The support 120 is in the form of a hood or shield which extendsgenerally in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the support section106 and substantially over the entire length of the support section 106.However, as shown in FIGS. 8-10, the support 120 is spaced from thecylindrical portion 108 of the support section 106 to allow a full sizelint roll 30 to be disposed therebetween without interference.

By example only, the support 120 is in the form of a generally arm-likemember cantilevered from one end 122 which joins the support 120 to thetransition portion 116 of the body 102. By example only, a radiallyinner surface 124 is formed on the support 120 with a generally planaror flat configuration. Again by example, the opposed outer surface ofthe support 120 has a generally curved or arcuate cross section 126 toprovide a more effective or useful cleaning surface.

Referring briefly to FIGS. 12-14, a brush or cleaning element denotedgenerally by reference number 130 is mounted in the support 120. Thebrush or cleaning member 130 may take the form of sponge, sponge rubber,foam or other resilient elastomeric material which has a slightly stickyouter surface, as well as bristles, and directional fabric mounted on asubstrate which is attachable to the radially outer surface 126 of thesupport 120. It will be understood that the bristles, directional fabricor blastomeric material could be applied directly to a solid outersurface 126 of the support 120 by means of adhesive or by otherfastening techniques. Also two or more different types of cleaningelements 130, such as bristles surrounding on one or two opposed sideswith a squeegee blade or blades. The bristles can also be combined withthe elastomeric material or the directional fabric.

As shown in FIG. 13, the support 120 may be provided with a recess 132from the outer surface 126 to an inset inner surface 134. The recess 132forms a receptacle for receiving the cleaning element 130. One or moreapertures 136 may optionally be formed in the inner surface 134 forreceiving mounting studs or fasteners to fixedly attach the cleaningelement 130 to the support 120.

A discontinuous lip 140 may be formed within the aperture 138. The lip140 and the aperture 138 cooperate to define a mount for receiving asuitably formed substrate for the cleaning element 130 which can snapinto the discontinuities in the lip 140 and be supported on theremaining portions of the lip 140 within the aperture 138.

The brush/roller 100 provides multiple cleaning functions. First, thetape roll 30 can be removed thereby exposing the directional fabric 36for separate use. With the tape roll 30 installed over the bearingsurfaces 110 and 112, the tape roll 30 can be used in a conventionalmanner. In addition, the cleaning element 130 on the support 120 may beemployed at any time to remove lint, hair or other debris from surfaces,animals, clothing, etc.

It will also be understood that the handle 104 may be formed with aninternal fluid containing chamber coupled to a dispenser or nozzlemounted at one end of the handle 104, as described hereafter, to providefor selective dispensing of cleaning fluid.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-14, the assembly 141 shown in FIGS. 11-14shares common elements with the assembly 100 described above and shownin FIGS. 8-10. Thus, the same reference numbers depict the handleportion 104, the support 120, the opposed surfaces 124 and 126 of thesupport 120, and the cleaning element 130 mounted on the outer surface126 of the support 120.

In this aspect, the support section differs from the support section 106described above in that it is formed of opposed support members 142 and144. The support members 142 and 144 are spaced apart. The supportmember 120 can be integrally formed or joined as a separate member tothe transition portion 116 between the handle 104 and the support member142. The opposite support member 144 is carried on a wall 145 whichextends from one end of the support 120.

The supports 142 and 144 are in the form of generally circular bearingelements 146 and 148, respectively, which are adapted to rotatably orfixedly receive a lint roll 30 therebetween.

The construction of the support 120 and the cleaning element 130 isidentical to that described above and will not be repeated for theassembly 140.

The apparatus 140 provides multiple, independent, cleaning functions viaa rotatably or fixed mounted lint roll 30, the cleaning element 130 onthe support 120 or even by the addition of a fluid container within thehandle 104 and an integrally attached spray dispenser, as describedhereafter.

With reference first to FIG. 15, one aspect of the combined lint removerand spray dispenser apparatus 201 is shown as including a liquiddispensing means, such as a spray pump cap 202, which threadinglyengages one end of an elongated handle section 203 of a liquid storagecontainer 204. A liquid transferring tube 205 running substantiallythrough the interior of a hollow chamber 206 within the container 204which receives and stores a liquid solution. The container 204 is formedof a base portion 207 and an integral, elongated neck portion formingthe handle section 203, which together define the hollow chamber 206. Asupport section 208 has a top bead or rim portion 209 and outwardlyextending protrusions 210, which lock a tape roll 211 in place. The taperoll 211 may be formed by conventional methods of an elongated singlepiece of outwardly facing adhesive or, more typically, a plurality ofend to end arranged, separatable strips wound in a roll about a hollowcenter. Each sheet is separable from the tape roll 211 when soiled ordirty to expose an underlying clean adhesive strip. An example of a lintremover tape roll can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,361,923.

The handle portion 203 may have a generally constant diameter,cylindrical shape or, more preferably, a smoothly curved concave shapefor easy grasping by the user for use of the lint remover roll 211 orthe dispenser 202.

The support section 208 about which the tape roll 211 is mounted, mayhave a reduced diameter from the major diameter of the handle 203.Alternately, the support section 208 may have the same diameter as thehandle 203. The rim portion 209 flares radially outward from the supportsection 208 to form a shoulder for supporting one end of the tape roll211 as shown in FIG. 15. The tape roll 211, which the tape roll 211seats against the shoulder 209. At this time, the trailing end of thetape roll 211 is located inside of the projections 210 so that the taperoll 211 is rotatably mounted on the support section 208.

The hollow container 201 is formed preferably of one piece utilizing ablow molding process and materials such as polyethylene, PET, polyvinylchloride, or similar thermoplastic material. The lint tape roll supportsection 208, framed by upper and lower outwardly protrusions 209 and210, has a diameter less than the inside diameter of the adhesive tapelint roll 211. Alternately, the container 201 can be formed of twohalves joined together to form a sealed member.

In order to mount the pump spray type liquid dispenser 202 to thecontainer 201, the pump sprayer 202 has a cap 215 for threadedengagement with the top of the elongated handle section to securablyseal to the container 201. Alternately, the cap 215 may be configuredfor a snap-on engagement with a projection on an end portion of thehandle 203. The pump sprayer type dispenser 202 includes a hoseextending from the pump sprayer 202 into the container 201 for carryingthe liquid contents to the spray or trigger nozzle 217.

Alternately, the pump spray type liquid dispenser cap 215 and nozzle 217can be replaced by a known trigger handle operated pump dispenser.

As shown in FIG. 16, the optional support 120 may be connected to thehandle 203 by means of the transition portion 116. As described above,the support 120 supports an auxiliary cleaning element 130, such abristles, sponge rubber, directional fabric, etc.

As shown in FIG. 16, exterior threads 214 are formed on one end of thecontainer 201 for receiving the threaded cap 215 carrying a push typespray head 216 with a dispenser nozzle 217 carried therein. The tube 205is connected at one end to the dispenser nozzle 217 and extends throughthe container 201 preferably into close proximity with the base 207. Aspring, not shown, may be mounted within the head 216 for returning thehead 216 to the outward disposed position shown in FIG. 15 after eachspray dispensing depression.

Spaced, radially outwardly facing protrusions 210, such as flexiblefingers, beads, solid or broken bands, are formed at the end or bottomof the support section 208 opposite or perpendicular to the handle 203.These flexible fingers, beads, or bands 210 have an outside diametergreater than the inside diameter of the lint roller 211 such that withthe lint roller 211 inserted over the lint roller support 208, theflexible fingers, beads, solid or broken bands 210, extend outwardlyalong the bottom end of the support section 208 entrapping the lint taperoll 211 within the top and bottom ends of the support section 208. Theprotrusions, fingers, beads, partial or solid bands 210 can besubstantially flexible so as to flex to permit the installation andremoval of the tape roll 211 onto the roller support 208.

In order to minimize the frictional contact between the support section208 and the adhesive lint tape roll 211, a plurality of outwardly facingribs or nibs 212 are optionally formed along the outer periphery of thesupport section 208. By minimizing the contact area between the innerwall of the tape roll 211 and the support section 208 utilizing the ribsor nibs 212, only minimal frictional contact occurs between the interiorof the lint tape roll 211 and outer periphery of the lint roller supportsection 208, thereby encouraging free rotation of the lint roller 211about the support 208. These raised ribs or nibs 212 may also strengthenthe lint roller support section 208.

The lint remover 201 is operated with one hand while the tape roll 211resolves to pick up lint, fuzz, pet hair, etc. from surfaces and toprovide for dispensing liquid solutions as needed to completely treatthe surface.

A panel or logo area 220 can optionally be formed on the exterior of thehandle section 203 for receiving a decoration, logo or productadvertisement.

FIGS. 17, 18 and 19 depict alternate aspects of the present apparatus.In FIG. 17, the container 201 is formed essentially the same as thecontainer 201 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 and described above. However, inthis aspect of the invention, a lint remover means is in the form of asheet of directional lint removing fabric 222. The fabric sheet 222 maybe permanently or releasably mounted about the support. It should benoted that in this aspect of the present invention, the shoulder 209 andprojections 210 may not be required.

The fabric 222 is a dimensional woven nylon pile velvet created bycutting intertwined yard threads. The pile surface is heat set in aspecific direction to guarantee directional uniformity. This enables thesheet 222 to be drawn in one direction across a surface to be cleaned topick up lint and other debris from the surface. Dragging the sheet 222in an opposite direction about another surface removes any collectedlint and debris from the sheet 222.

As shown in FIG. 15, the optional support 120 may be connected to thehandle 203 by means of the transition portion 116. As described above,the support 120 supports an auxiliary cleaning element 130, such abristles, sponge rubber, directional fabric, etc.

FIG. 18 depicts a bottom view of another aspect of a container 201′. Inthis aspect, the container 201′ has a generally oval shape with thedirectional lint remover fabric 222 disposed substantially completely3600 about the exterior of the container 222.

In FIG. 19, a container 201′ has a more elongated, oblong shape.

Referring now to FIG. 20, there is depicted another aspect of a combinedlint remover and spray liquid dispenser 230 which includes essentiallythe same elements as the container 201, but has the elements disposed ina different external configuration or shape. Thus, the container 230includes a handle 232 and a lint roll support 234. In this aspect,however, the handle 232 includes one or more bends, to the axial extentof the support 234, with one bend at substantially 900 being shown inFIG. 20 by example.

The optional support 120 may be connected to the handle 203 by means ofthe transition portion 116. As described above and shown in FIG. 16, thesupport 120 supports an auxiliary cleaning element 130, such a bristles,sponge rubber, directional fabric, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22, there is depicted another aspect of adispenser nozzle 270. In this aspect, a support 272 is mounted byintegral molding or by means of separate fasteners, threads, etc., toone end of the container 262. The support 272 is in the form of a hoodhaving a generally semi-circular shape with a hollow interior orinternal recess. A pair of hinge pins 274 are mounted in opposed sides276 of the support 272 and rotatably receive end caps 278 mounted in anelongated tape roll 280. In this manner, the tape roll 280 is rotatablymounted within the support or hood 272.

The hood 272 forms a convenient surface for receiving the cleaningelement 130. The hood 272 can have the cleaning element 130 affixedthereto by adhesive or by any of the attachment methods shown in FIGS.12-14.

In FIG. 23, a lint remover and spray dispenser apparatus 290 isdepicted. The apparatus 290 combines the features of the removable androtatable lint remover roll 211 and hollow container 201 shown in FIGS.15 and 16 with the directional fabric 222 support shown in FIGS. 17-19.Thus, elements of the apparatus 290 are common with the previousapparatus 201. Specifically, the apparatus 290 includes a hollowcontainer 292 having a handle 294 and a lint remover material support296.

A shoulder 298 is formed intermediate the handle 294 and the support296. A plurality of outwardly extending projections or nibs 300 areformed on an opposite end of the support 296.

The support 296 is formed with opposed ends 202 and 304 of a firstdiameter and an intermediate portion 206 of a slightly smaller orreduced diameter.

A radially enlarged or flared end 308 is formed at one end of thesupport section 206 and carries the projections 300. The inner diameter210 of the lint remover roll 211 is rotatably supported on the largerdiameter end portions 202 and 304 of the support section 296 to enablethe lint remover roll 211 to rotate about the support section 296. Atthe same time, the directional fabric 222 is adhesively or otherwisefixedly mounted on the reduced diameter intermediate portion 206 of thesupport section 296 so as to be located out of contact with the innerdiameter 210 of the lint remover roll 211.

The cap 215 with the depressable head 216 and dispenser nozzle 217, asshown in FIG. 24 may be fixedly attached to one end of the handle 294via the threads 214, by example only.

In this manner, the apparatus 290 is capable of simultaneously carryingthe directional lint removal fabric 222 and a rotatable lint removerroll 211. The lint remover roll 211 is removed from the support 206 toenable the directional fabric 222 to be used to remove lint and debrisfrom various surfaces.

As shown in FIG. 15, the optional support 120 may be connected to thehandle 294 by means of the transition portion 116. As described above,the support 120 supports an auxiliary cleaning element 130, such abristles, sponge rubber, directional fabric, etc.

A further modification to any or all of the apparatus described above isdepicted in FIG. 24. It will be understood that although FIG. 24 depictsthe apparatus 320 as carrying a lint remover roll 211, the apparatus 320can also be designed for independent or simultaneous mounting of thedirectional fabric 222 about a support section 206.

In this aspect of the invention, the handle portion 324 of the apparatus320 may have an enlarged diameter with an open ended bore 326 extendingfrom one end 328. The opposite end 330 of the apparatus 320 may beopened or closed.

The diameter of the bore 326 is sized to removably receive a liquiddispenser container or bottle 330. The bottle 330 includes, by exampleonly, a removable cap 215 which carries a depressable head 216 andnozzle 217. The inner dispenser tube 315 extends through the interior ofthe container 330.

The container 330 can be a conventional liquid cleaner supplied with theapparatus 320 or purchased separately therefrom. Regardless of how thecontainer 330 is formed, the container 330 is removably insertable intothe handle 324 through the open ended bore 326 to a distance whichdisposes the depressable spray dispenser head and nozzle 217 externallyof the first end 328 of the handle 324.

A shoulder, not shown, may be provided within the interior of the bore.

The optional support 120 may be connected to the handle 324 by means ofthe transition portion 116. As described above, the support 120 supportsan auxiliary cleaning element 130, such a bristles, sponge rubber,directional fabric, etc.

Another aspect of the present apparatus is shown in FIG. 25 and is amodification to the apparatus 201 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. As shown inFIG. 13, a combined lint remover and spray dispenser apparatus 350includes a body 352 which is preferably hollow. The body 352 has ahandle portion 354, an intermediate portion supporting a lint removalroll, such as tape roll 311 either in a fixed or rotatable manner, andan end 356, opposite from the handle 354 which receives a liquiddispensing means, such as a spray pump cap 358. The spray pump cap 358is threadingly engaged or snap connected to the end 356 of the body 352.

A liquid storage chamber is formed within the body 352 extending fromthe end 356 through at least the intermediate portion supporting thetape roll 311 and, optionally, substantially through all of the handle354.

The optional support 120 may be connected to the body 352 by means ofthe transition portion 116. As described above, the support 120 supportsan auxiliary cleaning element 130, such a bristles, sponge rubber,directional fabric, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 26 and 27, there is depicted yet another aspectof the present lint roller/brush apparatus denoted generally byreference number 400. The apparatus 400 includes a body which may beintegrally formed, such as from a blow molded plastic, or assembled ofindividual components fixedly joined together into unitary structure byheat or sonic welding, fasteners, etc.

The apparatus 400 includes an elongated handle 402 which has anergonomic shape for easy hand gripping. Alternately, the handle 402 maybe formed with a hollow interior chamber suitable for receiving acleaning liquid. A dispenser, similar to the dispensers described aboveand shown in FIGS. 15-25 may be mounted on the end of the handle 402.

A further optional adaptation is the provision of snap or screwtogether, threaded connections on the end of the handle 402 forconnection to an elongated element.

The handle 402 transitions into a cross member formed of two cross arms404 and 406 which extend laterally in opposite directions from the endof the handle 402. The arms 404 and 406 terminate in angularly disposedlegs 408 and 410, respectively. A pair of generally circular supports412 and 414 extend axially inward from the legs 408 and 410,respectively, and rotatably fit within the inner diameter of the lintroll 30 which can be snapped over the supports 412 and 414 for insertionor removal from the apparatus 400.

In this aspect, an additional cleaning element in the form of a squeegee420 is fixedly mounted in the arms 404 and 406 and projects angularlytherefrom as shown in FIG. 26. The squeegee 420 has a blade-like shapeformed of a resilient, flexible material terminating in one or morepointed edges 422 which, when dragged across the surface, is and arecapable of pulling embedded hairs from fabric.

In summary, there has been disclosed numerous aspects of a combinationlint roll/brush apparatus which is useful in efficiently removing dirt,debris, embedded hair, from fabrics and other surfaces. The apparatuscombines several cleaning elements into a single apparatus therebyaffording many different cleaning uses with a single apparatus. Thisenables different types of debris to be successfully removed fromfabrics, furniture, clothing, and other surfaces by choosing one or moreof the different cleaning elements in a single cleaning operation.

1-30. (canceled)
 31. A lint/roller brush device comprising: a one-piece body including a handle portion which integrally transitions into a tape roll support section on which a tape roll is selectively mounted.
 32. The device of claim 31, wherein said body is formed of a blow molded plastic.
 33. The device of claim 31, wherein the handle includes resilient inserts.
 34. The device of claim 31, wherein the tape roll support section has an outer surface on which a fabric is selectively disposed.
 35. The device of claim 31, wherein the tape roll support section includes outwardly extending first and second spaced bearing surfaces for selectively supporting a tape roll thereabout.
 36. The device of claim 35, wherein said tape roll has an inner diameter that is spaced from an outer surface of said support section.
 37. The device of claim 31, wherein said tape roll support section has first and second ends with a plurality of fingers at one end thereof.
 38. The device of claim 37, wherein said handle portion transitions into said support section at the other end thereof.
 39. The device of claim 37, wherein said fingers are bendable for expanding said tape roll to be mounted on said support section.
 40. The device of claim 34, wherein said outer surface has a circular configuration.
 41. The device of claim 34, wherein the outer surface has an oval or oblate configuration.
 42. The device of claim 41, wherein said outer surface defines first and second curved surface sections on which first and second fabric elements are respectively disposed. 